From: Leo Odera Omolo
Date: Thu, Nov 5, 2009 at 1:16 AM
WRITES Leo Odera Omolo In Kericho Town.
A prominent civic leader in Kericho has appealed to the ODM MPS in the Rift Valley to preach unity of purpose so that the long match to State House, started by the party a couple years ago, is realized in 2012.
Councillor Nicholas Tum, who is an ODM nominated Councilor in the Kericho Municipality, said that the current on going diverse of opinion by a section of the Rift Valley MPs is not a healthy move. “The ODM had an objective and a goal set a couple of years ago. The journey is still along way, therefore there is no need for anyone among its members to start preaching divisive politics for selfish political end”.
Councilor Tum, who is also the chairman of the Town Planning Committee, urged the Kalenjin MPs to unite behind the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and to ensure that the ODM emerged the winner in 2012.
“We set up some objectives which are still yet to be realized, but we can still achieve all the goals if we are united and speak with one voice. ODM is the most popular party in the country today, and it stands a better chance of scoring absolute victory at the next polls. This could only be achieved if all the party leaders speaks with one voice and work as a team”.
Coun Tum, who is an influential political operative in the Kipsigis region, and a staunch supporter of the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, said the community still have faith and confidence in Mr. Odinga. “We want to support him to be the next president, and thereafter we shall ask our neighbors in Nyanza to support our man in the future presidential elections”, said Mr.Tum
Reacting to the recently established Kalenjin Council of Elders, Coun Tum said the idea is not a bad one, for the community to have a recognized forum in which they can deliberate certain contentious issues within the community.
But, he cautioned the Council members to refrain from being used as an instrumental tool by politicians to realize their ambitions.
He scathingly criticized those advocating for tribal political alliances. “Such alliances could be a recipe for chaos and tribal skirmishes, which Kenyans must avoid at all costs.
Leaders must only preach the politics of cohesiveness and peaceful co-existence.”, he said.
Coun.Tum said he supported the sentiments recently expressed by the Kipkellion MP, Hon Magerer Lang’at, and also contention of the retired President Daniel Arap Moi, that tribal Councils are outdated and could take nobody to nowhere.
Coun Tum urged the Kipsigis community to remain united behind the ODM as the most popular vehicle for the community to realize their political ambitions as well as economic advancement. The ODM, he added, is the party of the day whose leadership is totally committed to the real task of eradicating poverty.
He announced that there will be a series of public rallies in the South Rift to sensitize the electorate on the latest prevailing political development in the country, and urged leaders to preach peace and harmony.
Ends
leooderaomolo@yahooo.com
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Subject: INFLUENTIAL KERICHO CIVIC LEADER PLEADS WITH ODM LEADERS TO KEEP THE PARTY INTACT UNTIL IT ACHIEVES ITS AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF CHANGING THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE IN KENYA
I suport what mr.Tum has said about the community and the party, (ODM) In reality the largest population in that party are kalenjin community .At the same time those who are ever mobile miss chances. Let us take for example ,earlier at the beginning of multy party, people like the late Wamalwa Kijana became a party leader at the time many who took the party for certain community missed. Up to now they are continuously fading away from active politics after achieving nothing. Being strong brought NARC to power. Also at the moment, the current regime does not need tribal politics sice KANU fever still stay around.
Kenya belongs to many ,so one should not be cheated that one tribe can make it alone.
What the civic leader is doing is what majority of ODM supporters country wide are preaching, about-UNITY of purpose. But it appears like a few leaders in Riftvalley, led by William Ruto and the like are bent on seeing the end of Raila as a president, and ODM as a party.
His body language and public talk are sure way that he is up to no good. Somebody in PNU and ODM-k is cheating William that he can make it either as a spoiler for ODM so that they share the spoils like Kalonzo did during 2007 elections. One thing though i must emphasize is that all supporters of ODM are not done yet, until the stolen election is cleansed by voting Raila as preident.
I would urge all people of goodwill, please do not be swayed by politicians who have grudges and scores to settle, to abandon the party.Am encouraged by some ministers in central Kenya-the likes of Kabando, Githunguri, and the rest who recently talked of Kibaki being told to leave a regency by shouting for all to hear-RAILA TOSHA.
Anybody any tribe can lead Kenya.